April 27, 2021

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
April 27, 2021

Commissioners Scott Blain, Bill Bullock and Scott Miller; Administrative Officer Angela Newell; and Commissioners’ Secretary Barbara Krizek were present.

8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.

Rebecca McMurry of Billings joined the meeting via tele-conference to observe community business.

Anita Phillipsborn, on behalf of the Red Lodge Pool Committee, joined the meeting to request that some of the County’s anticipated funds from the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act be directed towards the City of Red Lodge pool re-build as children from across the County use the facility.

Discussion regarding the Road Crew hiring pool; Commissioners would like to fill vacancies and retain 3-5 individuals in the pool.

Newell initiated discussion regarding updating the Employee Handbook to clarify Hours Worked verbiage; on agenda for future discussion.
10:00 Clearview Subsequent Minor Subdivision Final Plat. In attendance: Clerk and Recorder Christine Stovall, Deputy Clerk and Recorder Macque Bohleen, Contract Planner Forrest Mandeville, Red Lodge Surveying Kate Stout, Charles Truxillo. Commissioner Miller moved to approve the Clearview Subsequent Minor Subdivision Final Plat legally described as Lot 1 4th Amended, Plat No. 337 2nd Amended, located in Section 16, Township 7 South, Range 20 East, P.M.M.; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried.

Commissioner Miller moved to approve Employee Time as presented; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried.

11:30 Detention Facility Discussion. Bridget Ekstrom from D.A. Davidson & Co joined to discuss the construction bond. Interest rates have remained favorably low and are anticipated to remain low through the election. She presented the two financing options – Level Levy vs. Level Debt Service – and the advantages of each approach. Commissioner Bullock expressed preference for Level Levy at approximately 21 mills over 20 years vs Level Debt Service which would start at approximately 26 mills and then decrease to possibly 17 mills after 20 years. Commissioners Miller and Blain concurred, citing that it would be the more palatable option to taxpayers. Commissioners informed Ekstrom they would like to pursue the Level Levy construction bond option.

Discussion regarding Carbon County Search and Rescue contract and re-negotiating funding allocation terms now that it is time to renew.
12:00 Adjourned for lunch.

1:00 Commissioners’ work session. Discussion regarding conducting road crew interviews on May 11 and 13; will schedule nine interviews and establish a hiring pool.

1:40 Adjourned.